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Business Daily

What do France's protests reveal about its economy?

28 October 2026

Available for over a year

Burning cars, looted shops and clashes on the streets of France have dominated headlines around the world. The chief executive of Carrefour has warned that the unrest is taking a toll on business. But beyond the violence lie deeper questions about living standards and the state of the French economy. Vishala Sri-Pathma hears from protesters, businesses and the French government about what recent protests tell us about France's economy.

Producer: Rebecca Smyllie

Editor: Stephen Ryan

You can email the team: businessdaily@bbc.co.uk

(Picture: A masked protester holding an umbrella and a French flag reacts as French police use a water canon amid clashes during demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices in France, October 24, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Hannah McKay)